Nicole L. Lee, Ph.D.

Nicole “Nicki” Lee, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the VCU School of Social Work. An experienced social work educator, Dr. Lee has spent over a decade teaching in the M.S.W. and B.S.W. programs. Her scholarly interests include social work teaching pedagogy, program evaluation, intimate partner violence in communities of color, and the impact of health on the psychosocial functioning of individuals and communities.

Lee’s teaching is guided by a philosophy that values and encourages the contributions of all members of the classroom’s learning cohort. She recognizes the critical role that she plays in facilitating a safe learning environment one in which students may “step out of their comfort zones” and think critically about issues. Dr. Lee sees this tension as an opportunity for growth and discovery for herself and all members of the learning cohort.

Lee’s past work experience has been in macro-social work and includes working with the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on the Family and Intimate Partner Homicide Surveillance Project and working with non-profit organizations (e.g., National Kidney Foundation, American Cancer Society, United Way Services, and YWCA). Her work with these organizations has included duties such as program development, implementation, and evaluation.

Finally, Dr. Lee views teaching as both an art and a science and strives to utilize innovative methods to articulate complex concepts to students. She incorporates technology into the classroom experience and uses it to reinforce in-class teaching.

Dr. Lee is also active in the fitness community. She holds a primary group education certification from the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and is a licensed Zumba instructor at two fitness organizations. She is philanthropic and works with additional Zumba instructors to raise thousands of dollars for local and international charity projects.

Dr. Lee is also active in the Virginia Greyhound Association (VAGA). She works to promote the humane treatment of retired racing greyhounds and encourage post-racing adoptions.